Joellen Banks

BANKS

JOELLEN BANKS

JoEllen Banks passed peacefully on February 17, 2023 at home in McLean, VA with the love of her life, high school sweetheart, and husband of 69 years, Ronald Banks by her side. JoEllen is survived by Ron, her three loving sons, Jim Banks, John Banks and Bob Banks, daughters-in-law Lori Banks and Lisa Banks, eight grand children, and two great-grandchildren. She was 89.



Born on May 11, 1933 in New York City, JoEllen lived her entire life guided by kindness, compassion and grace. After graduating from Ohio University with a degree in Education, JoEllen taught junior high school in Atlantic City, NJ where she was newly married to Ron, then serving in the U.S. Navy at the nearby Naval Air Station after returning from Japan and Korea.



Two years after getting married, JoEllen and Ron had son Jim Banks followed thereafter by John and Bob Banks. At that time, JoEllen decided to switch her focus from teaching to raising their children, a move consistent with her constant selflessness as well as with her overwhelming love of family.



With Ron's extensive travel and work load throughout his long and very successful career, JoEllen played the long time role of the family's rock of stability and guided the day to day with Jim, John and Bob based on lightness, fun, and humor.



Over the course of JoEllen and Ron's long and loving relationship, they enjoyed traveling around the world together as well as with many friends, sharing new experiences with laughs, joy and always an interest in learning.



Beyond their travels together, for many years JoEllen and Ron split time between their homes in McLean, VA and Palm Springs, CA enjoying many deep and long-standing friendships in both places.



JoEllen, with her extraordinary love of life and of people, will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was beautiful in every way.



A private service will be held at a future date.